Is Fasting Certain Days Recommended?


Question and answer details
Muhammad
2015/04/21
As-salamu `alykum. Are there certain days to fast in the week as a Sunnah or is it a bid`ah (innovation in religion)? Some books say it is a Sunnah to fast Mondays, Thursdays, and 13th, 14th and 15th of each month. Does that mean those days are special in the week and month or holier? Could you explain this, please?
On Islam Shari`ah Researchers
Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear brother in Islam, we would like to thank you for showing keenness on knowing the teachings of Islam and we appreciate the great confidence you have in us. We hope our efforts meet your expectations.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has exhorted us to fast during certain days: six days of Shawwal, the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, especially the day of `Arafah for those who are not performing Hajj, fasting Mondays and Thursdays, fasting three days (the 13th , 14th, and 15th) of every month.
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As for fasting Mondays and Thursdays, Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast on Monday and Thursday. Being asked about that the Prophet said, "Deeds are presented on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim or every believer, except for those who are forsaking each other. He says [about them]: 'Leave them.'" (Ahmad)
It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when asked about fasting on Monday, said: "That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received revelation." (Muslim)
As for fasting the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each month, Abu Dharr Al-Ghafari reported, "The Messenger of Allah ordered us to fast for three days of every month - that is, on the days of the full moon (the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month). And he said, 'It is like fasting the whole year.'" (Reported by An-Nasaa'i)
So, dear brother, it’s clear that observing fasting on those days moves in line with the practice of the noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who set a shining example for Muslims to follow, in compliance with Allah’s words, “You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.” (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
Allah Almighty knows best.

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